Autochthonous cattle breeds arrived in the territory of modern-day Croatia via the
Danube and the Mediterranean route. Nowadays, there is one indigenous cattle breed that is
critically endangered (Slavonian-Syrmian Podolian cattle), while two indigenous cattle breeds
are categorized as highly endangered (Istrian cattle, Busha cattle). Throughout the centuries,
Croatians had a particular way of raising pigs. Pigs used to be kept in large herds on spacious
pastures, usually forests, where they could find enough food. Until mid-20th century, our
autochthonous pig breeds were still raised in Croatia: Šiška, Bagun, White Mangulica and
Lasasta Mangulica, Turopolje pig and Black Slavonian pig. These breeds are mostly categorized
as the lard or lard-meat type of pig. Import of more productive breeds, after World War II,
resulted in disappearance of most autochthonous breeds (of which only the Turopolje pig and
the Black Slavonian pig have remained to this day) and in development of a population of
white, meat-type pigs under the influence of imported breeds. Pork is one of the staple foods
of animal origin in many countries. In developed countries, many years of work are invested
in breed improvement to produce pigs characterized by good quality meat, fast weight gain
with low feed intake, and good fertility. Such pigs are kept in modern facilities with automated
feeding, watering and cleaning and with computer-controlled microclimate.